Gary English is a rare breed.
Throughout the more than 42 years he has served the fresh produce business in sales leadership roles for The Packer, English has earned and sustained the respect, admiration, esteem and affection of an entire industry.
To help capture English’s impact on the industry, The Packer recently reached out to former and present colleagues, clients and associates — all of whom chronicle a career and man unlike any other.
And while English has meant different things to different people — “a gift to the produce industry,” “icon,” “mentor,” “the unofficial ambassador of the produce industry,” “the ultimate professional,” “a true partner” — all who’ve had the pleasure of working with him during the past four decades say he’s a “friend” first.
“Without question, Gary is the hardest-working, most genuine, exceptionally likable and to-his-core most trustworthy human being I have ever had the joy of working with,” said Shannon Shuman, senior vice president of Share-ify and former executive director and vice president of The Packer. “In over three decades of managing people and teams, Gary sits at the very top of my list of greatest employees ... and it isn’t
a close race.
“While I served as his manager, I always felt Gary was a mentor and a peer,” Shuman continued. “His knowledge and willingness to share allowed me to be the best I could be. I would not have experienced success without Gary’s partnership, and most importantly, his friendship. No one went harder to the finish line, and I am lucky for the opportunity to share some of his journey. Gary was a gift to the produce industry, and he will always be a legend in my eyes.”
Produce ambassador, mentor, friend
As someone who knows the produce business inside and out, English has been a willing guide to others looking to gain their footing and navigate this dynamic industry.
“There are very few people you meet in life who leave a lasting impression on you, but Gary is one of those people thanks to his kindness and generous spirit,” said Melinda Goodman of Full Tilt Marketing. “I can say Gary was probably one of my first friends in the produce industry almost 30 years ago — one of the very first people I met. He became someone who openly provided education and insights, shared his network, never forgot a name or a face and celebrated every win with you.
“I think Gary might have been the unofficial ambassador of the fresh produce industry,” she continued. “To a career well done, and an industry well served, congratulations Gary.”
Robb Bertels, vice president of sales and marketing for Gold Coast Packing, who worked in sales with English at The Packer for nearly 20 years, says he “has always been determined and optimistic” about people and the produce industry.
“Gary always set a high bar for hard work and led his staff by setting the example and conducting himself with integrity and enough ‘want to’ to stand out in a crowd,” said Bertels. “Even in tough times, Gary would mentor those around him, including me, with humor and grit, always trying to make a difference for people on his team and in the industry.
“I’m proud to call Gary a friend and colleague and one of the best human beings that I’ve ever known,” he said.
“Gary is positive, engaging and knowledgeable,” said The Packer’s Editor Emeritus Tom Karst. “He is frank in sharing his opinions, tenacious in the way he represents the interests of The Packer and always personable. He is a great friend and ally to all who know him well.”
An industry icon
English is a top talent and a “world-class guy,” said Andy Weber, former CEO and current board member of The Packer’s parent company, Farm Journal.
“Gary is one of a handful of the best salespeople I’ve worked with in my 45 years in media because he cares as much about his customers’ success as he does about his own success. That’s been his ticket to staying on top for decades,” he said.
Matt Morgan, Farm Journal executive vice president for corporate development, agrees.
“Gary always put the customer first. He understood that if his customers won, he won. He lived by this mantra every day,” said Morgan. “Gary had an amazing work ethic and dedication to his customers that was consistent throughout his career, which earned him an incredible reputation in the industry.”
It’s a reputation that many of English’s colleagues at The Packer think has played a crucial role in furthering the brand recognition of the more than 130-year-old publication during the past 40 years.
“Gary is an icon,” said Morgan. “Everyone in produce knows and loves him. The Packer is an historic brand and one of the most well known in produce, and Gary had an incredible impact in establishing The Packer’s reputation.”
A consummate professional
English is equally admired by his past and present clients.
“Gary is the ultimate professional and always did his job with style,” said Roger Pepperl, former marketing director, Stemilt Growers. “[He] has great follow-through on all business affairs and was constantly on the lookout for his company and equally his customers. I always felt important as a customer and as a person.
“I met Gary as an account manager and now I consider him a dear friend,” Pepperl continued. “Gary is the best in the produce industry.”
One of the many qualities that has contributed to English’s career success and longevity is his ability to adapt and relate to the next generation entering the produce biz.
“Gary is a people-person first and salesperson second, and that allowed him to be successful working with seasoned produce veterans and former newbies like myself,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers. “He adapted from print ad sales to the world of digital, and that was because of his unwavering loyalty to The Packer’s success and the joint success of his clients.
“It’s been an honor to know and work with Gary, and I wish him the best during his well-deserved retirement,” Shales continued. “I hope he can savor the moments with his lovely family that is his pride and joy.”
Decades in the making
During his more than 40-year career at The Packer, English has had the opportunity to work with and cultivate friendships with other produce industry veterans-in-the-making.
“I have enjoyed many good years with Gary English … so very many good years!” said Jan DeLyser, former vice president of marketing for the California Avocado Commission. “Through my years with The Packer, Fresh Produce Council (before it became the FPFC), Sun World and CAC, there was always a constant, and that was Gary from the Packer. He was always good and always fair, and for that I am thankful and appreciative.”
“Gary was the Oppy ad rep for The Packer and related publications for a good 20 years. I learned a lot from him,” said Karin Gardner, Oppy vice president of marketing. “He always looked out for our best interests and was a true partner in building awareness about Oppy’s assortment of products and house of brands. Gary is a true produce professional who became a good friend.”
“Gary was genuinely well liked and respected among all of his clients, as well as his colleagues,” said Bill O’Neill, former editor and publisher of The Packer. “It is likely no one has ever sold more produce advertising over the course of a career.”
“Too many words and not enough pages in this issue to truly pay tribute to Gary and the dedication he gave to each and every one of our client’s media needs,” said Johnna Johnson, vice president of marketing and client services for Marketing Plus. “But if I must sum it up, simply put: Gary has been my go-to for a decade — always surpassing expectations and providing me with a foundation to pitch and execute successful media strategies for our clients. It has definitely been an honor working with him and building a friendship over the years.”
While Gary English is retiring, his produce industry legacy lives on.
